Tigers Sniff the Rose

The study remained silent for a long while, with only Meng Zaishi's slightly heavy breathing audible.

Standing outside the window, Mu Wan Yao grew somewhat worried, fearing that Yan Shang's provocations might push Meng Zaishi to violence... Naturally, Meng Zaishi was no fool, but when it came to strategy and cunning, he truly couldn't match Yan Shang.

Mu Wan Yao found herself following Yan Shang's line of thought: Yes. Meng Zaishi's desire to marry her wasn't that intense.

Genuinely overwhelming emotions wouldn't have led Meng Zaishi to act as he did—after the assassination attempt on South Mountain, he had simply left, without confronting Mu Wan Yao on the spot while so many soldiers were present.

He had given both sides a buffer period.

This buffer couldn't be due to Meng Zaishi's cowardice; it could only mean he was unwilling to sever relations with Great Wei. Even with Prince Qin's support, Meng Zaishi had always been clear-headed—as the Uman King, he could never have true allies in Great Wei.

Thinking this, Mu Wan Yao felt somewhat relieved, believing the likelihood of avoiding a Peace Marriage had increased.

As the princess pondered, the Uman King in the study finally spoke again: "Yan Erlang, how much do you know about the relationship between Uman and the Southern Barbarians?"

Yan Shang's expression relaxed slightly.

He knew his bluff had worked—Meng Zaishi truly had no desire for war with Great Wei.

He replied courteously: "I didn't know much before, but now I understand a great deal more. I know the five tribes of the Southern Barbarians have been reduced to four, and the Southern Barbarian King is waging war on all fronts. Sooner or later, he will unite Uman as well."

All this he had learned from the Hu people who helped him gather information in Uman. It had to be said that by penetrating deep into Uman, these Hu people understood the situation far better than Great Wei's officials.

Yan Shang paused, observing that Meng Zaishi showed no change in expression, before continuing: "This is one reason I oppose the Uman King seeking a Peace Marriage with a Great Wei princess. The alliance between Uman and Great Wei is known throughout the land. If our Great Wei princess were to go to Uman, how should she position herself regarding the conflict between the Southern Barbarians and Uman? Should she hope for Southern Barbarian unification or oppose it?

"And how should you, Great King, position yourself? Should you support Southern Barbarian unification or maintain closeness with Great Wei?

"Forgive my bluntness, Great King, but your natural allegiance lies with the Southern Barbarians. Yet your ambitions—I know you are not content with this, which is why you insist on allying with Great Wei. As for Great Wei's intentions... you must be aware of them as well. Thus, the alliance between Uman and Great Wei has reached its limit. There's no need to deepen it further, and certainly no need to insist on a Peace Marriage with the princess."

The corners of Meng Zaishi's lips curled into a deeper smile, his eyes lifting slightly with a sharp, admiring glint: "Great Wei's intention is to hope Uman can unify the four Southern Barbarian tribes. That's why Great Wei supports Uman—I'm well aware. But according to Yan Erlang's analysis, how should I position myself between Great Wei and the Southern Barbarians?"

These were things he had only figured out after ascending the throne.

His father had initially formed the alliance with Great Wei reluctantly and under pressure, never truly understanding that Great Wei's real intention in allying with Uman was to dismantle the Southern Barbarians.

Yan Shang expressed slight surprise: "Isn't your original intention, Great King, aligned with Great Wei's goal? Since both sides share the same intent, you need only state clearly what you hope Great Wei will do."

Meng Zaishi fell silent for a moment, then cursed in the Uman language.

Eavesdropping outside the window, Mu Wan Yao covered her face, unable to suppress a faint smile. Meng Zaishi's curse translated to: "Cunning jackals."It was unclear whether Yan Shang understood or not.

Whether Yan Shang understood was unimportant, as Meng Zaishi couldn't be bothered to probe further and said directly: "The Black Barbarians have just concluded their war with the Chiman, profiting greatly from it. The Black Barbarians need no more fighting. A nation may grow wealthy quickly through short-term warfare, but prolonged war will only burden our people. When facing the Southern Barbarian King next, I must clarify my stance.

"The Black Barbarians are too weak. As one of the four tribes of the Southern Barbarians, we ought naturally to submit to them. My original intention was to borrow troops to help the Southern Barbarian King subdue the four tribes and unify the Southern Barbarians."

Yan Shang said calmly: "Your Majesty puts me in a difficult position. Great Wei would never support the unification of the Southern Barbarians."

Meng Zaishi laughed: "I know. What Great Wei hopes for is for the Black Barbarians to unify the Southern Barbarians. Hmm... I can only say, Yan Erlang, your guess is correct. Our objectives do indeed align."

Yan Shang remained silent for a long moment, then suddenly lifted his eyelids and said softly: "How does Your Majesty wish for Great Wei to assist you? Shall we lend you our troops?"

Meng Zaishi studied him for a moment, leaned back, clicked his tongue twice, then laughed heartily: "Yan Erlang, I admire you more and more! Even at a time like this, you're trying to set a trap for me... How dare I allow Great Wei's troops into my territory? If you were to seize the opportunity to annex the Black Barbarians, whom could I turn to for redress?"

Hearing that his scheme had been seen through, Yan Shang showed no change in expression.

Only then did Meng Zaishi say: "There's a term in your Great Wei: 'borrowing a passage to destroy Guo'."

Yan Shang nodded: "So Your Majesty wishes to borrow a route through the small state adjacent to Great Wei, annexing that state in passing, while ostensibly using the route to assist the Southern Barbarian King in unifying the Southern Barbarians. According to Your Majesty's plan, you intend to depart from Longyou in Great Wei.Below Longyou lay the various small states that were affiliated with Great Wei. Further down were the four tribes of the Southern Barbarians, still disunited.

Meng Zaishi nodded.

Yan Shang said: "I will convey Your Majesty's intentions to the court officials and discuss them with my sovereign and ministers."

Meng Zaishi paused, then said: "I wish to use another country as the battlefield for war, not wanting the Black Barbarians' homeland to suffer. Then you should know, I still need..."

Yan Shang continued: "Culture, technology."

He looked down: "The Black Barbarians seem to lack their own written language, is that not so?"

Meng Zaishi glared at him coldly.

Yan Shang smiled: "It's quite simple. Just directly learn the language and writing of our Great Wei."

Meng Zaishi said flatly: "Yan Erlang, know your limits. Just now I refused to let Great Wei's troops enter my Black Barbarians, and now I certainly won't allow your Great Wei's culture to erode us either. The Black Barbarians have our own culture, it just hasn't been fully developed yet... What I need is simply for you to send someone of exceptional talent to accompany me on a diplomatic mission to the Black Barbarians, to help us create a writing system."

Yan Shang sighed. Seeing that Meng Zaishi never fell for his traps, he realized this king was not to be underestimated, and ceased his probing.

The two sides finalized various conditions, which Yan Shang noted down to discuss later with Great Wei's sovereign and ministers.

Yan Shang remained so composed, controlling the rhythm throughout, that Meng Zaishi's expression grew increasingly unpleasant. He felt that his every word and action were anticipated by the other—this feeling of being completely read was truly terrible.

Imitating the kneeling posture of Great Wei's people, Meng Zaishi watched as Yan Shang concluded their discussion, bowed, and prepared to take his leave. Just as Yan Shang turned his back and was about to reach the door, Meng Zaishi suddenly said: "I wonder if Danyang Princess has told you about my relationship with her?"

Yan Shang's back stiffened, but he did not turn around.Meng Zaishi turned his face toward the shadow eavesdropping outside the window. Lowering his eyelids with vindictive malice, he taunted: "She certainly never told you, did she? She was once my woman, molded entirely by my hands. Every aspect of her you see today bears my imprint. Do you know how she looks when overcome with passion? How she sounds when gasping for breath..."

Yan Shang cut him off: "Silence!"

He turned to face the Uman King who sat cross-armed, watching him with a mocking smile. Confronted with the undisguised malice, Yan Shang stared at him for a moment before saying: "If you held even a shred of genuine feeling for her, you wouldn't speak of her this way before another man."

Meng Zaishi's pupils constricted sharply, his expression darkening.

Yan Shang continued: "And if you feel nothing for her at all, you have even less right to speak of her so.

"What is this, Your Majesty? Competing with me over who treated her better? Do you understand concepts like respect, devotion, or affection? In your eyes, does seizing by force entitle you to everything? Is humiliating others at will a man's privilege? You claim to study Great Wei's culture, yet inwardly remain a stubborn barbarian confined to your ways."

Yan Shang gazed at Meng Zaishi and whispered: "You're unworthy of discussing her with me."

Meng Zaishi's face turned livid. He slammed his fist on the table and rose to strike, but Yan Shang gave him a cold glance before pushing the door open. Then Meng Zaishi heard Yan Shang's startled, flustered voice: "Your... Your Highness?"

Meng Zaishi's expression remained stormy, yet his feet seemed nailed to the floor. He didn't want to go out, didn't want to face Mu Wan Yao directly.

—Was his love so repulsive?

He didn't think so.

But he couldn't bear seeing the look in Mu Wan Yao's eyes when she regarded him—

Yan Shang never expected his impassioned speech to be overheard completely by Mu Wan Yao. She stood beneath the window gazing at him with tender affection. He tilted his head away, first feeling a wave of embarrassment.

Mu Wan Yao smiled at him without speaking, then turned and walked away. After a moment's thought, Yan Shang still followed her.

They left the embassy and boarded the Princess Residence's carriage. Mu Wan Yao asked Yan Shang: "Are you returning to the Secretariat?"

Observing her expression and finding it unreadable, Yan Shang nodded gently. Mu Wan Yao instructed the coachman to change routes. Hearing her directions, Yan Shang remarked: "This road doesn't lead directly to the imperial city."

Mu Wan Yao glanced at him: "Yan Erlang has improved. Back when my aunt took you away, you were too confused to recognize roads. Now you can tell this route is wrong. However shall I deceive you in the future?"

Seeing her chin lifted in haughty indifference, Yan Shang couldn't help shaking his head with a soft laugh.

Watching his lowered brows and smiling expression made Mu Wan Yao's heart pound, yearning to draw closer. But she unusually restrained herself, saying instead: "We're just going to the East Market to collect something. The large stone I commissioned should be arriving soon—I need to inspect it."

Yan Shang understood: "His Highness the Crown Prince mentioned it—that 'Merit Stone' inscribed with His Majesty's achievements? Does such a stone truly exist?"

Mu Wan Yao nodded perfunctorily.

Yan Shang lowered his head in contemplation: "It must be engineered, right? Is this the Li family's signal of submission to His Majesty? His Majesty..."

Mu Wan Yao interrupted displeased: "Must you discuss official matters all the way?! How tiresome!"

Yan Shang looked up in astonishment.Mu Wan Yao cast a cold glance at him. After a moment of locking eyes, he finally remembered that his strictly business-like attitude had somewhat displeased her. Yan Shang hesitated, his cheeks slightly flushed, and murmured softly, "Then... what should I do?"

Leaning against the carriage wall, Mu Wan Yao said, "When I used to ignore you, you always found excuses to visit me at the Princess Residence. Now that our relationship seems much closer, I see you reacting indifferently, not taking the initiative to see me anymore. What, have you grown tired of me before anything has even happened between us?"

Yan Shang frowned slightly and said, "Don't talk nonsense... I've just been busy lately."

He coughed once, defending himself, "And I've never been as unrestrained as you claim. I've always been this way."

Mu Wan Yao lifted her eyes to look at him. "Then what should you be doing now?"

Yan Shang looked at her.

Yan Shang hesitated. "Your Highness, would you like to come over?"

Mu Wan Yao retorted, "What do you mean, 'come over'? Are you calling for a puppy?"

Yan Shang: "..."

He had no choice but to move closer himself.

Rising slightly in the carriage, he slowly shifted from the opposite seat to sit beside her. Mu Wan Yao rested one hand on the table and the other against her cheek, turning her face to look at him.

Her eyes shimmered, radiant and captivating.

To Mu Wan Yao, a maiden's charm wasn't about pouting or acting coy—it was in the subtle tilt of her head and the glimmer in her eyes. With her hand against her cheek and her gaze soft and lingering... it was utterly disarming.

Yan Shang lowered his eyes, placed a hand on her shoulder, gently embraced her, and brushed his lips against hers.

Before she could even react, he blushed first. His eyelashes fluttered as he lifted his gaze to look at her.

Mu Wan Yao couldn't help but laugh, her demeanor softening. "...What's there to blush about?"

His current shyness and nervousness were a stark contrast to his sharp, confrontational demeanor earlier in front of Meng Zaishi. Privately, Mu Wan Yao far preferred him like this.

She wrapped her arms around Yan Shang's shoulders and made to kneel on his lap. Her hair ornament knocked against the carriage roof, and as the carriage swayed, she tumbled into his embrace, lightly tracing her fingers over his throat. She looked at him playfully, biting her lip with a suppressed smile, then leaned in to kiss him again.

Her sudden antics flustered Yan Shang, who hurriedly wrapped his arms around her waist, repeatedly pleading, "Enough, enough... stop fooling around."

After the carriage entered the market district, it came to a stop in the eastern market. Not daring to cause too much commotion inside, Yan Shang kept dodging, yet Mu Wan Yao still managed to ruffle his robes. By the time the carriage halted, he was in no state to step out. The mischievous little princess bit her lip, smiling, and whispered close to his ear, "Do you want me to help you with my hand..."

Yan Shang was thoroughly intimidated. His face flushed crimson as he glared at her. "No need."

How could they carry on so recklessly outside? How could she be like this?

After waiting for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Yan Shang finally stepped out of the carriage. Once outside, he dared not meet the eyes of the guards standing nearby. Fortunately, they too avoided his gaze, sparing each other the awkwardness.

Yan Shang stood beside the carriage, straightened his sleeves, and turned to help Mu Wan Yao out when a surprised female voice called from behind him, "Second Brother Yan?"

Turning around, he saw a young woman in a yellow dress holding several scrolls of scriptures amidst the bustling market. Behind her, a maid with a pained expression followed, and the woman was waving at him, her eyes alight with delight.

Yan Shang bowed in greeting.

From inside the carriage, Mu Wan Yao scoffed. "You really know everyone, don't you? Bowing to anyone you meet."Yan Shang bowed to the young lady across the crowd. The young lady smiled and began walking toward them. Only then did Yan Shang explain to Mu Wan Yao inside the carriage, "She is the granddaughter of my teacher, Miss Liu Ruozhu."

Mu Wan Yao in the carriage paused. "Oh."

She asked, "What is she doing here?"

Yan Shang replied softly, "I don't know yet. But Miss Ruozhu is holding books in her arms, so perhaps her purpose is related to them?"

Mu Wan Yao thought to herself: As expected of Liu Ruozhu, born into a prestigious family. She immediately made Mu Wan Yao feel vulgar by comparison.

After all, what Mu Wan Yao sought here was the "Merit Stone"—a thoroughly utilitarian pursuit.

Yan Shang glanced at the carriage and hesitantly asked, "Miss Liu is gentle and kind-natured. Would Your Highness like to step down and speak with her?"

Through the curtain, Mu Wan Yao met Yan Shang's gaze.

She had initially intended to alight, but Yan Shang's expression carried a clear implication of introducing her to his friend... This signal unmistakably conveyed his hope for her to enter his circle and understand those around him.

Mu Wan Yao felt a surge of panic, fearing such closeness.

Pressing her lips together, she said offhandedly, "No need. Your friend is for you to entertain yourself."

Yan Shang remained silent for a long while. Mu Wan Yao dared not look at him. Her resistant attitude—he couldn't possibly misunderstand it. After what felt like an eternity, she heard his soft reply: "...Very well."

Mu Wan Yao instantly felt a twinge of regret but did not retract her words—

Liu Ruozhu had already approached. Leading her maid, she exchanged bows with Yan Shang once more. Liu Ruozhu curiously glanced at the carriage behind him, her eyes flickering with interest, but Yan Shang invited her to step aside and talk away from the carriage.

Liu Ruozhu nodded.

Watching Yan Shang and Liu Ruozhu walk away, Mu Wan Yao in the carriage felt as if a hundred claws were scratching at her heart. Earlier, she could have pressed against the curtain to eavesdrop on their conversation, but now, even straining her ears, she could only hear the chaotic noise of the marketplace drowning out their voices.

She couldn't help but resent how softly Yan Shang and Liu Ruozhu spoke—and why did the Eastern Market have so many other people with so much to say?

Yan Shang was asking Liu Ruozhu about her purpose here. Liu Ruozhu sighed and said, "I heard that a batch of books from neighboring minor kingdoms had flowed into the Eastern Market, some of which were written in the script of our Great Wei. Upon investigation, I discovered many were texts lost for years. I found it deeply regrettable and wished to purchase them for preservation.

"But the street vendor is too shrewd. Seeing my desire for the books and likely sensing my urgency, he refused to sell. I've lingered in the Eastern Market for many days, struggling greatly, and only managed to secure a portion of the books."

Liu Ruozhu seemed slightly discouraged but soon cheered up, convincing herself that with persistence, she would eventually retrieve and properly preserve those lost texts.

She looked at Yan Shang and said, "Once I've organized the books, I can lend them to you, Second Brother."

Yan Shang expressed his thanks and self-deprecatingly added, "I merely skim the surface, half-understanding at best. I fear I am not cut out for scholarly pursuits."

Liu Ruozhu pressed her lips together in amusement, clearly aware of Yan Shang's limited literary talents. She had even heard her grandfather wonder—"How can someone so clever be so inept at poetry? How did he pass the imperial exams? Did the chief examiner select him for his looks?"

Yan Shang then inquired after Lord Liu's recent well-being, apologizing that due to the heavy workload at the Secretariat lately, he had not visited his teacher's residence.Liu Ruozhu said, "Don't worry, Grandfather is in good health. The reason he requested leave is because my married aunt and her husband had a quarrel, and she's desperately insisting on divorce, coming to Grandfather for support. Grandfather is utterly exasperated with them... but my uncle has already followed her to Chang'an, so the matter should be resolved in a couple of days."

Yan Shang replied, "In that case, it's even more inappropriate for me to visit my teacher at this time. Please convey my regards to him on my behalf."

After all, it was best not to get involved in the Liu family's domestic affairs.

Liu Ruozhu smiled and agreed.

She then stood on her tiptoes, peering over Yan Shang's shoulder at the carriage behind him. Curious, she asked, "Second Brother Yan, is the person sharing your carriage Danyang Princess? The carriage looks familiar, much like the one belonging to Danyang Princess."

Yan Shang paused for a moment.

He thought to himself that Mu Wan Yao didn't want to meet his friends, but since Liu Ruozhu was his teacher's granddaughter, stating the truth shouldn't be a problem, right?

Yan Shang nodded.

Liu Ruozhu asked, "Then why hasn't Her Highness gotten out of the carriage? Does she not want to see me?"

Yan Shang said, "...She rarely rides in the same carriage with me and is feeling a bit shy."

Liu Ruozhu: "...?"

She widened her eyes, staring at this Yan Erlang who was solemnly claiming that Danyang Princess was shy. Liu Ruozhu had previously encountered Mu Wan Yao at the entrance of Yan Shang's residence—Mu Wan Yao had been fierce and intimidating, hardly shy at all.

After pondering for a moment, Liu Ruozhu bit her lip and asked softly, "Second Brother Yan, I want to ask so I can truly let go. Are you... and the princess... in love with each other?"

Yan Shang was taken aback and looked at Liu Ruozhu.

The young lady's eyes were brimming with emotion, fixed intently on him. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyelashes fluttering slightly, a mix of shyness and sorrow in her expression.

Yan Shang remained silent for a while, and in an instant, he understood, guessing Liu Ruozhu's faint yet discernible feelings for him. He was somewhat surprised, unsure how this affection had arisen. Had his frequent visits to his teacher's home or his usual behavior inadvertently given Liu Ruozhu the wrong impression?

Yan Shang reflected inwardly.

Feeling both ashamed and unwilling to hurt Liu Ruozhu, he bowed and saluted her once more. Liu Ruozhu stepped aside to avoid the gesture.

His hair ribbon slipped over his shoulder, tangling with his robes. Lifting his gaze gently, he said, "Yes, Her Highness and I are deeply in love. It's just that... for certain reasons, she prefers not to make it public. I would appreciate it if you could keep this confidential."

The light in Liu Ruozhu's eyes dimmed. She lowered her gaze, afraid she might cry, and bit her lip hard to suppress her emotions, nodding in agreement.

When she looked up again, her vision was blurred with tears.

A handkerchief was already being offered to her.

Liu Ruozhu lifted her head and saw Yan Shang holding out the handkerchief with one hand, his face turned away and his body slightly retreating, clearly maintaining a respectful distance.

Liu Ruozhu sighed softly, took the handkerchief to wipe her eyes, and then smiled. "Second Brother Yan, don't worry. You and Her Highness are a perfect match—talented and beautiful. You will surely have a happy ending. I won't say anything... not even to my grandfather."

Yan Shang smiled faintly, thinking to himself that Lord Liu already knew.

Liu Ruozhu mischievously thought that her grandfather had long since guessed.

Yan Shang lowered his eyes and asked, "Do you truly believe that Her Highness and I are well-suited?"Liu Ruozhu praised, "Naturally. Second Brother Yan is humble and knows when to advance or retreat. I believe the ancient saying about the modest gentleman refers to someone like you, Erlang. As for Your Highness, being a princess who married for political alliance and sacrificed herself for the nation—that is something ordinary women could never achieve. Moreover, after returning to Great Wei, Your Highness never abandoned herself to despair, still radiating elegance and grace. Now I’ve heard that the Black Barbarians’ envoy is pressuring Your Highness into marriage? And that Your Highness was at South Mountain... well, together with Second Brother Yan, shot and wounded the Uman King."

"Though my grandfather was quite angered upon hearing this news, I deeply admire Your Highness for possessing such courage. In this world, there are many who are wise, but few who have true bravery. Many matters in life ultimately fail at the final step due to a lack of courage. What people gain in this world mostly comes from bravery rather than wisdom. Your Highness dares to resist, which in my eyes is already truly remarkable."

Yan Shang was momentarily stunned, quietly watching Liu Ruozhu.

In official circles, he had mostly heard disparaging remarks about Mu Wan Yao, and this was the first time he had encountered someone who appreciated Mu Wan Yao so deeply.

Yan Shang said softly: "For you to think this way, you truly live up to being a daughter of a distinguished family."

Liu Ruozhu's cheeks flushed red as she waved her hands in embarrassment: "What merit is there in this? I merely understand but cannot truly empathize. Not knowing Your Highness's experiences, I can only speak empty words. My inability to fully comprehend stems merely from being more fortunate than Your Highness, never having endured what she has. What is there to be proud of? I should feel ashamed instead."

Yan Shang whispered: "It's already quite admirable... Well, I have an impertinent request."

Liu Ruozhu: "Second Brother Yan, please speak."

Yan Shang bowed to her and said quietly: "Since returning to Great Wei, Your Highness's temperament has changed significantly. She rarely interacts with young ladies her age, instead associating mainly with court officials and gentlemen. I worry about her state of mind - I believe she should have one or two close female friends who could help guide her. Being a man, I cannot fully understand Her Highness. Often when I see her in such states, I can only feel helpless and uncertain what to do.

"I believe young ladies are much more perceptive in these matters than a man like me.

"If you admire Her Highness, would you be willing to try becoming friends with her? Though her temper can be fierce, she is extremely protective of those she considers her own. If you're unwilling..."

Liu Ruozhu gently interrupted: "How could I be unwilling? I simply haven't had the opportunity. Since Your Highness doesn't wish to interact with us young ladies, I could only admire from afar. If Second Brother Yan is willing to make an introduction, I would naturally be delighted to befriend Her Highness."

Yan Shang smiled: "Good."

He paused: "Then I must defy her wishes this once."——

Yan Shang led Liu Ruozhu back to the carriage, gently inviting Mu Wan Yao to step down and explaining he wished to introduce Miss Liu to her.

Mu Wan Yao was furious: Was this man really going to introduce a young lady who admired him to her? What was wrong with him?

But having strained her ears earlier without catching what the two were whispering about, only seeing them bowing their heads and appearing to alternate between tears and smiles, Mu Wan Yao had grown quite anxious. So when Yan Shang returned, though she still didn't wish to enter his social circle, she thought: At least I should warn this girl who likes Yan Shang?

What was wrong with Yan Shang? Didn't he realize this young lady had feelings for him?

How could he be so oblivious?

Mu Wan Yao stepped down from the carriage and reluctantly let Yan Shang lead her over to be introduced to Liu Ruozhu.

As the three were conversing, the rapid approach of hoofbeats was heard. The sound grew increasingly closer, which they initially paid little mind to until they heard the rider shout: "Yan Er!"

Yan Shang looked up.

Mu Wan Yao turned and saw it was Meng Zaishi on horseback.

Immediately alert, she stepped in front of Yan Shang, shielding him and preventing Meng Zaishi from harming him. Guards from the Princess Residence surrounded them, watching as Meng Zaishi dismounted and strode toward them.Under the scorching sun, Meng Zaishi couldn't help but scoff at their guarded expressions.

Meng Zaishi simply stared back at them across the Princess Residence guards, making no move to approach.

He tilted his chin slightly and said indifferently, "I've thought it over. In terms of strategy, I'm no match for you. But when it comes to martial prowess, you might not surpass me. During my final days in Great Wei, I don't wish to be completely defeated by you. Yan Shang, dare you compete with me?"

Mu Wan Yao retorted sharply, "Compete in what? Martial arts? Then we'll concede outright. If you want to compete in martial arts, why seek out Yan Shang? Go find Yang Sanlang, who fought you to a standstill that day. Aren't you deliberately bullying us?"

Meng Zaishi laughed, "Of course I won't bully you. Not martial arts—how about... a military exercise with you?"

Mu Wan Yao found it ridiculous, "What military exercise? Go find Great Wei's generals. Even if it's a military exercise, it has nothing to do with us. Yan Shang is a civil official, not a military officer. He can't possibly participate in your affairs."

Meng Zaishi said, "Tomorrow I'll petition your Emperor, requesting all envoys and people of Great Wei to join in the military exercise. Participants from both sides must be under twenty-five. I won't use Black Barbarians—I'll use envoys from other minor states to face your Great Wei... This shouldn't count as bullying you, should it?"

His gaze fixed unwaveringly on Yan Shang, "Yan Shang, dare you take the field?"